Glazed Smoked Salmon Recipe - How to Smoke Salmon

If you're looking for a delicious and easy smoked salmon recipe... This is it! With just a few of simple ingredients and smoker, you'll make perfectly smoked salmon loaded with sweet, savory smoky flavor.

Whether you're a seasoned smoker or a beginner, this recipe guides you through the process, for incredible results every time!

Cedar-Planked Smoked Salmon with Maple Glaze – the kind of dish that's perfect for laid-back dinners and when you want to impress!

Smoked Salmon

Smoked Salmon is a  seriously mouthwatering dish that's simple to make, impressively and delicious! Tender salmon fillets, kissed by a smoky and topped off with a mouthwatering maple glaze... It's the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Delicate salmon fillets – king, Atlantic, sockeye, or coho, or wild-caught salmon that looks good at the grocery store... With this irresistible maple glaze is, like my baked glazed salmon recipe... It's a blend of pure maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic!

Smoked Salmon with Maple Glaze recipe is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's sweet and smoky, bold and delicate – all in one bite!

Smoked Salmon Recipe Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (king, Atlantic, sockeye, coho, or any wild-caught salmon)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste or ¼ teaspoon each.

*Optional Dry Brine & Ingredients:

1. To dry brine start by patting the salmon fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt with 2 teaspoons brown sugar.
3. And a ¼ teaspoon of: salt, black pepper and garlic powder to the mixture for extra flavor.
4. Generously sprinkle the dry brine mixture over the entire surface of salmon filets.
5. Place the brined salmon on a wire rack over a sheet pan and refrigerate. Allow it to dry brine for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for larger fillets.

Glazed Smoked Salmon Process

First, you'll soak your cedar planks... If you're using them, and make your maple glaze.

Then preheat your smoker to 225°F, and let it get warmed up with the cedar planks. As cedar planks work their smoky charm, the salmon fillets soak in the maple glaze, creating a marriage of flavors that'll make you crave more.

Keep an eye on your smoker, as the salmon gradually reaches its perfect 140°F - 150 degrees F internal temperature. And when it's finished, grab a wedge of lemon and a sprig of fresh dill to really complete the dish!

Smoking Salmon

1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
2. If using an electric smoker or gas grill, soak wood chips in cold water for about 30 minutes to enhance smoke flavor.
3. Preheat your Traeger pellet grill to 225 degrees F with soaked planks on grates.
4. Rinse the salmon filets under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. (Weather you dry brine them or not, you will rinse them and pat dry.)
5. Place the salmon fillets on a pre soaked cedar plank for extra smoky flavor (or directly on grill grates if you aren't using cedar planks).
6. Make the garlic maple glaze by combining the: real maple syrup, soy sauce, salt, pepper and minced garlic in a small sauce pan. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes still it starts to thicken. Remove from heat.
7. Smoke the salmon at low temperatures for about 1-1.5 hours, glazing halfway through and 30 minutes before finished. Cook time depends on the thickness of the fillet, until the internal temperature reaches around 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).

How to Use Cedar Planks to Smoke Salmon

Cedar planks are used in cooking on gas barbecues and pellet smokers. They imparts a unique aromatic flavor especially when cooking salmon.

1. Gas Barbecues: Soak planks in water to prevent them from catching fire while on the grill. Place directly on the grill grates, and place salmon on top of the plank. As the plank heats up, it releases its aromatic oils and infuses the fish with a delicious smoky flavor!
2. Pellet Smokers: Cedar planks can also be used on pellet smokers, including Traeger grills. Soak the cedar plank to prevent it from burning too quickly... Pellet smokers usually use indirect heat, so the plank won't catch fire as easily.

How to cedar planks on a smoker or Traeger grill:

• Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
• Place the soaked plank on the grill grates of your pellet smoker.
• Preheat your pellet smoker to 225 degrees F.
• Once the plank starts to smoke and release its aroma, place the salmon on top of the plank.
• Close the lid and, monitoring the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer until the salmon reaches at least 140 degrees F internal temperature in the thickest part... I like them cooked to 150 degrees F internal temp.

Maple Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the real maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt and pepper.

Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes till it thickens slightly.

After 30 minutes of smoking brush filets with glaze. Then again during the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the salmon with the maple syrup and soy sauce glaze... This adds so much depth of flavor!

Cool & Serving

1. Once smoked, let the salmon rest at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing, or serving.
2. Gently remove the skin from the salmon fillet.
3. Serve the smoked salmon on a platter garnished with thinly sliced red onion, lemon wedges, and fresh dill.
4. For a delightful appetizer, serve the smoked salmon with cream cheese and crackers, or make a delicious salmon dip.

This easy smoked salmon recipe provides a fantastic way to enjoy the incredible flavors of this delicious fish. With the Traeger pellet grill, a few simple ingredients, and a bit of patience, you'll achieve the best smoked salmon. This recipe is great for gatherings, or simply enjoy the taste of the Pacific Northwest from your own home!

Serve Smoked Salmon With

Smoked salmon goes good with almost so many things, I serve it with... Soft Sourdough Rolls, a fresh broccoli or Strawberry Salad, tasty stove top Baked Beans or sweet Candied Yams!

Leftover Smoked Salmon Recipe

Got some of that irresistible cedar-planked smoked salmon left over from your flavor-packed feast? Well, my friend, the goodness doesn't have to stop at dinner. Let's dive into some mouthwatering ideas to make the most of those savory salmon leftovers!

Savory Pasta Perfection

​Elevate your pasta game by mixing smoked salmon bits into a creamy Alfredo sauce. Toss with fettuccine or your favorite pasta, and you've got a luxurious dinner that's ready in a flash. Top with grated Parmesan for that extra layer of umami.

Appetizer Extravaganza

​Hosting a get-together? Turn those leftovers into a show-stopping appetizer. Create smoked salmon bruschetta by spreading cream cheese on toasted baguette slices, then layering on the salmon, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of fresh chives.

Flavor-Packed Dip

​Blend smoked salmon with cream cheese, a touch of lemon juice, and dill to craft a sensational dip. Serve with crackers, veggies, or even as a spread for sandwiches. Your taste buds won't know what hit them!

Wrap It Up

​Roll those leftover salmon pieces into tortillas with crunchy veggies and a zesty dressing for a quick and satisfying wrap. It's a lunch that's as flavorful as it is fuss-free.

So, don't let that cedar-planked smoked salmon sit in the fridge unnoticed. With these creative ideas, you're not just enjoying leftovers – you're creating brand-new, mouthwatering experiences that'll have you savoring every delicious bite.

Smoked Salmon Recipe Card

If you try this recipe, and like it... Id really appreciate a star rating on the card, or a review in the comments below! Thank YOU!